ANCASTER, Ont. — Redeemer University Athletics has once again been recognized as an NCCAA #KingChasing Institution, earning the designation for the second consecutive year following the announcement at the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Annual General Meeting in Greenville, South Carolina.

Redeemer was one of just 15 of 88 NCCAA member institutions to receive the distinction for the 2026–27 season, an honour that recognizes athletic departments intentionally committed to keeping Christ at the centre of the student-athlete experience.

The designation is awarded annually by the NCCAA through its #KingChasing initiative and highlights institutions that demonstrate meaningful integration of faith throughout athletics. Rooted in the Game Plan 4 LIFE framework - Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence, the program seeks to ensure collegiate athletics becomes about more than competition and championships.

The mission of #KingChasing is to help student-athletes pursue Christ-centred excellence while growing spiritually, personally, and athletically.

Institutions earn #KingChasing points through intentional initiatives that integrate faith into athletics, including spiritual development opportunities, discipleship, community engagement, leadership formation, service projects, and creating environments where student-athletes are challenged to live out their faith.

For Redeemer, the recognition reflects an athletics culture intentionally designed around the university's mission and the department's commitment to developing student-athletes who compete with excellence while pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ.

"This recognition represents something much deeper than wins and losses," said James Kryger, Director of Athletics at Redeemer University. "Our desire has always been that every athlete who wears the Royal crown would encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and discover that sport can be a platform for Kingdom impact."

Kryger noted that receiving the designation for a second consecutive year demonstrates the collective effort of coaches, staff, and student-athlete leaders across every program.

"To be recognized again among a select group of Christian institutions across North America is deeply meaningful because it reflects the everyday faithfulness of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes," said Kryger. "Whether through team devotions, prayer, discipleship, servant leadership, or simply how we compete and care for one another, our community continues to show that athletics can be a place where Christ is genuinely central."

Throughout the year, Redeemer Athletics has continued to invest in initiatives that support student-athlete development, including faith and leadership programming, spiritual mentorship, service opportunities, team discipleship, and intentional conversations that reinforce the department's commitment to Athletic Excellence for a Profound Impact.

"At Redeemer, we often talk about Vertical Purpose, the belief that sport points us beyond ourselves and toward Christ," Kryger added. "This designation encourages us to keep pursuing that calling and reminds us that our greatest success is measured not simply by championships, but by lives transformed for God's Kingdom."

The #KingChasing Standards serve as foundational elements that guide athletic department staff and student-athletes in representing and upholding Christ-centred values throughout collegiate athletics.

The top point-earning institutions across the NCCAA are recognized annually as finalists for NCCAA #KingChasing Institution of the Year.

For more information on the NCCAA #KingChasing program, visit the NCCAA website.